SODEI Launches a Youth Resource and Vocational Training Center in Bangem, July 2021
In our continuous effort towards empowering young persons in our community, SODEI Cameroon has a new branch 
SODEI Bangem will serve as a Vocational Training Centre for young people in and out of school. This initiative will give them the opportunity to learn and develop skills to improve their lives and communities. The centre is equipped with 5 sewing machines (3 electrical and 2 manual), computers, a space, and volunteers to train young people in sewing, IT, office management and secretarial duties and other economic skills.
Bangem is a rural town in Kupe Muanenguba Division of the Southwest Region. The town has a population of approximately 25000 inhabitants mostly from the Bakossi tribe. The main occupation is farming in subsistence and cash crops such as cassava, plantains, cocoyams, maize, vegetables, coffee, fruits, etc. However, the deplorable state of the roads – with no access to farm to market roads makes it difficult for farmers to market their farm products. Bangem is also known for its major touristic attraction – the twin Muanenguba lakes.
Though relatively safe, Bangem was also affected by the conflict in the English-speaking regions. This led to a significant loss of educational and economic opportunity, devastating the lives of young people and their families. Traditionally reliant on farming and other small enterprise initiatives for their subsistence, those displaced by the violence lost access to cultivable lands and livestock, the equipment necessary to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and to participate in regular schooling.
Our centre provides an opportunity for young people to pursue a dream of self-reliance through entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to foster income generation, self-reliance, self-sustenance, and community development through entrepreneurship.
Reach us on WhatsApp